Preparing to Switch Schools

Switching schools is not easy, but having the right attitude about it and doing some work in the beginning can make the switch much easier to handle.

Learn as much as you can about your new school. See if you can find the school's website and find out: Where is it? How big is it? How does it compare to the school you currently attend? The more you know about your school, the better you'll feel when you walk in the first day.

Ask a parent to call ahead to your new school or do it yourself. You can find out what the students are studying, what projects they've done and what sports and clubs they offer. Then you'll know if there is any catching up you will need to do or if you can join a team or club at your new school that you loved at your old school.

Join your Youth Sponsorship Program. This is a perfect way to meet someone new and learn all about your new school and installation before you even get there. Check with the youth director at your current installation for help finding the person in charge of youth sponsorship at your new installation. Then, you'll get paired up with another kid your age who attends the school you'll be going to. This person can tell you what the other kids are wearing, what the teachers are like and what fun things are going on. Plus, you'll have a friend waiting for you when you arrive!

Get your paperwork handed in. Ask your parent/guardian to get all of your official papers together to make the move to your new school a smooth one. Things like your transcript, cumulative folder, health records, report card, birth certificate, etc.

Get involved. Once you do all your research about your new school, pick something to join, like a club or a team. If you're involved in an activity now, see if you can sign up for it at your new school. Or try something entirely new! Joining clubs and playing sports can be a great, easy way to make new friends.

Try to find some kids in your neighborhood to hang out with. If you move in the summer, before school starts, see if you can find some kids in your neighborhood to hang out with. Maybe those kids will be at your new school, so you'll have friends on your first day!

For more information and resources to help military youth and teens navigate everything from the unique challenges of a mobile military life to managing their social lives, saving money and going green, visit Military Youth on the Move!

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